In Greek mythology, Pandora is the woman whose opened container released evils into the world.
Pandora appears in ancient Greek stories as the first woman created by the gods. Zeus ordered her creation after Prometheus stole fire and gave it to humanity. Different gods supplied her with distinctive gifts, which explains the name Pandora, commonly interpreted as “all-gifted” or “having all gifts.”
Pandora was sent to Epimetheus, the brother of Prometheus. Although Prometheus had warned him not to accept gifts from Zeus, Epimetheus welcomed her. Pandora later opened the container kept in their home, releasing destructive forces that had previously been kept inside.
The myth is often called “Pandora’s box,” but the earliest surviving Greek account describes a jar, not a box. The story also differs between ancient sources and later retellings, especially regarding whether Hope remained inside or escaped.